JOB DESCRIPTION

Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  With presence in 170 countries and territories, UNDP endeavours to help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress. UNDP personnel are united by a common purpose: to help countries and communities across the world pursue peaceful, prosperous lives, lived in harmony with the planet.

Enabling UNDP to meet client and partner needs, the Office of Human Resources in the Bureau of Management Services (BMS/OHR) is the hub for the global HR function at UNDP, providing strategy, policy setting, guidance, and oversight. In addition, OHR provides a broad range of HR advisory and talent management services enabling UNDP to deliver fully integrated development solutions at corporate level. Within the Office of Human Resources, the People Performance Unit (PPU) exists to provide substantive leadership to the development and implementation of the UNDP-wide approaches and strategies aimed at creating a positive employee experience and maintaining a safe, respectful and enabling working environment that enables personnel engagement, productivity and performance.  More specifically, the team leads and provides advice on matters related to employee experience and engagement, equal opportunities in the workplace, duty of care with a focus on occupational safety, health and wellbeing (OSHW), dealing with sexual misconduct in the workplace, and individual performance management and its linkages with the broader organizational performance.

In this context, UNDP is seeking an Equal Opportunities Specialist to support the implementation and reporting of a wide range of initiatives that enable UNDP to deliver on its commitments to promote equal opportunities for all and prevent all forms of discrimination. The Equal Opportunities Specialist will be expected to work under the supervision of the HR Specialist – Respectful Workplace and Employee Relations under the overall guidance of the Chief People Performance in BMS/OHR.

Scope of Work

Coordinate the implementation and monitor the progress of key strategies and action plans to advance equal opportunities and create a respectful workplace culture at UNDP.
Analyze multiple data sources to develop reports which provide an overall review of progress achieved against Equal Opportunities commitments and action areas.
Develop reports on existing strategies that relate to Equal Opportunities, or when appropriate, coordinate the extension of the strategies’ timelines and propose a revised roadmap and actions for implementing the strategy with an extended timeline.
Contribute to efforts that support the design of new strategies or approaches related to Equal Opportunities.
Prepare reports, briefing notes and other relevant communications on equal opportunities for different stakeholders.
Organize and facilitate, as needed, capacity-building sessions around fostering a safe and respectful work environment.
Coordinate the management and administration of resources for equal opportunities initiatives, ensuring effective support for personnel, as needed, and proposing improvements to streamline the process.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, collate information regarding key initiatives and efforts happening at both HQ and regional levels regarding promotion of equal opportunities and respect in the workplace.
Coordinate the administration of equal opportunities matters by consolidating feedback and updating relevant records to ensure smooth functioning and follow-up on key initiatives.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Organizational Arrangement

The position is located in BMS/OHR and the Equal Opportunities Specialist will report to the HR Specialist – Respectful Workplace and Employee Relations under the overall guidance of the Chief People Performance, UNDP BMS/OHR.

Competencies Core

Achieve Results:                              LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:                          LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:                        LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:                          LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:                  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:                       LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:       LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management 

Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Business Direction & Strategy  

System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Knowledge facilitation: Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

HR – Talent Management 

Diversity and Inclusion: Ability to design and deliver diversity and inclusion approaches; ability to integrate diversity and inclusion considerations into the specific people and organizational strategies, policies and initiatives. knowledge of the theory and methods to mitigate biases and eliminate discrimination, knowledge of practical ways to increase participation of under- represented groups in the workforce, knowledge of inclusive workplace practices and behaviors.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Academic Education 

Advanced University Degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Psychology, Sociology, or Human Resources is required. OR
A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the aforementioned fields of study, in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience    

Minimum 5 years (with Master´s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of working experience in Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or related HR field required.

Required skills   

Demonstrated experience working independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated experience evaluating data and identifying relevant findings.
Demonstrated experience in developing and executing training.

Desired additional skills and competencies 

Previous experience working within the United Nations or other multi-national environment is an advantage.
Experience in monitoring the implementation of strategies and writing reports on equal opportunities, respectful workplace initiatives, etc. is desirable.
Experience in designing and leading capacity-building sessions is desired
Experience in developing internal communications for employee engagement is an asset.

Required Language(s)  

Fluency in English, including excellent writing skills is required.
Working knowledge of a second UN language is an asset.

Travel

The position is home-based. Official travel costs, if any, that are associated with performing the functions will be covered as per UNDP travel policy as applicable to IPSAs.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

 

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements